Plot Synopsis

DOWNTON ABBEY writer Julian Fellowes embarks on a quest to discover the real stories of Britain's great houses. As he uncovers personal stories hidden behind the walls, he realizes these aren't just homes for posh people -- they hold history. In each one-hour episode of this two-part series, Fellowes visits a different house, including: Burghley House, the home of William Cecil, political brain and iron fist behind the throne of Elizabeth I; and Goodwood House, which owes its existence to a love affair between a king and a spy. PBS aired the U.S. premiere of this series on Saturday, December 13, 2015 at 8pm (check local listings).